John Daversa is an American

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its roots are in blues, ragtime, European harmony, African rhythmic rituals, spirituals, h ...

trumpeter, electronic valve instrument (EVI) player, vocalist, composer, arranger, conductor, bandleader, producer and educator who has won multiple Grammy awards.

Early life

Daversa is the son of Jay Daversa, trumpeter for

Stan Kenton Stanley Newcomb Kenton (December 15, 1911 – August 25, 1979) was an American popular music and jazz artist. As a pianist, composer, arranger and band leader, he led an innovative and influential jazz orchestra for almost four decades. Though ...

and Los Angeles studio musician, and Mary Ann Daversa, music educator and pianist. The grandson of

Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, a Romance ethnic group related to or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance languag ...

immigrants, he was born in Los Angeles and moved to Ada, Oklahoma at age 7. He also lived in Las Vegas and Sacramento before returning to Los Angeles for high school at Hamilton Academy of Music.

Career

Daversa has degrees from UCLA, California Institute of the Arts, and a doctorate from USC. He is Chair of Studio Music and Jazz at University of Miami,

Frost School of Music Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music is the music school at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. From 1926 to 2003, it was known as University of Miami School of Music. Academics and programs The University of Miami's Frost ...

and directs the Frost Jazz Orchestra (2013 to present). Before this appointment, he taught at

California State University, Northridge California State University, Northridge (CSUN or Cal State Northridge), is a public university in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. With a total enrollment of 36,848 students (as of Fall 2024), it has the ...

(2011 - 2013) and

University of Southern California The University of Southern California (USC, SC, or Southern Cal) is a Private university, private research university in Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, it is the oldest private research university in ...

(2009 - 2011). He regularly performs with the John Daversa Big Band, John Daversa Small Band, John Daversa and Tal Cohen Duo, and is a guest conductor and soloist all over the world. Daversa has worked with Moonchild,

Fiona Apple Fiona Apple McAfee-Maggart (born September 13, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter. She released five albums from 1996 to 2020, all of which reached the top 20 on the U.S. Billboard 200, ''Billboard'' 200 chart. As of 2021, she has sold over ...

Burt Bacharach Burt Freeman Bacharach ( ; May 12, 1928 – February 8, 2023) was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music. Start ...

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, Gin,

Herbie Hancock Herbert Jeffrey Hancock (born April 12, 1940) is an American jazz musician, bandleader, and composer. He started his career with trumpeter Donald Byrd's group. Hancock soon joined the Miles Davis Quintet, where he helped to redefine the role of ...

, Holiday on Ice,

Bob Mintzer Robert Alan Mintzer (born January 27, 1953) is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and big band leader. Early life Mintzer was born and raised in a Jewish family in New Rochelle, New York, on January 27, 1953. He attended the Inte ...

Big Band,

Renee Olstead Rebecca Renee Olstead (born June 18, 1989) is an American actress, singer, and marriage and family therapist. Active since childhood as an actress, she is best known for her roles on the CBS sitcom '' Still Standing'' and on the ABC Family drama ...

Regina Spektor Regina Ilyinichna Spektor (, ; born February 18, 1980) is a Russian Americans, Russian-born American singer, songwriter, and pianist. After self-releasing her first three records and gaining popularity in New York City's Indie music scene, in ...

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, and

The Yellowjackets Yellowjackets is an American jazz fusion band founded in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. History In 1977, guitarist Robben Ford, for his first solo album, recruited keyboardist Russell Ferrante, electric bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer R ...

. His playing has been featured on film and television, including ''

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'', ''

Key and Peele Key, Keys, The Key or The Keys may refer to: Common uses * Key (cryptography), a piece of information needed to encode or decode a message * Key (instrument), a component of a musical instrument * Key (lock), a device used to operate a lock * ...

'', ''

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'', and ''

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''. His album '' American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom'' (BFM Jazz, 2018) won three

Grammy Awards The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as The Grammys, are awards presented by The Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in music. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious a ...

at the

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Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album Best or The Best may refer to: People * Best (surname), people with the surname Best * Best (footballer, born 1968), retired Portuguese footballer Companies and organizations * Best & Co., an 1879–1971 clothing chain * Best Lock Corporatio ...

, " Don't Fence Me In" won in the Best Improvised Jazz Solo category, and "

Stars and Stripes Forever "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is a patriotic American march written and composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896. By a 1987 act of the U.S. Congress, it is the official National March of the United States of America. History In his 1928 autobi ...

" won in the Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella category.

Discography

As leader

* ''Improvisatory Observatory: Live and Raw at The Baked Potato, Exhibit'' ''2'', John Daversa Big Band, 2024 * ''Improvisatory Observatory: Live and Raw at The Baked Potato, Exhibit 1'', John Daversa Big Band, 2024 * ''The Official Bootleg: live at bluewhale'', John Daversa Small Band, 2024 (Recorded live in 2012) * ''The Art of Duo, Vol. 1'', John Daversa and Tal Cohen, 2024 (Original release 2023) * ''Live at Catalina’s, Vol. 2'', John Daversa Big Band, 2024 (Recorded live in 2000) * ''ARCeology: The Music of MSM Schmidt'', Arc Trio and The John Daversa Big Band 2022 * ''All Without Words: Variations Inspired by Loren'', John Daversa Jazz Orchestra featuring Justin Morell, 2021 * ''Cuarentena: With Family at Home'', John Daversa Quintet, ''Cuarentena: With Family at Home'', 2020 * '' American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom,'' John Daversa Big Band featuring DACA Artists'','' 2018 * ''Wobbly Dance Flower,'' John Daversa featuring Bob Mintzer'','' 2017 * '' Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of the Beatles,'' John Daversa'','' 2016 * ''Artful Joy,'' John Daversa'','' 2012 * ''Junk Wagon: The Big Band Album,'' John Daversa, 2011 * ''Shogun Warrior, Plays for Lovers,'' Shogun Warrior'','' 2010 * ''Westland,'' Westland Trio'','' 2010 * ''Live at Catalina’s, (Vol. I),'' John Daversa Big Band'','' 2009 (Recorded live in 2000) * ''Live at Catalina’s, Vol. II,'' John Daversa Big Band'','' 2000 * ''The D.a.M. Band,'' The Daversa and Morell Band'','' 1994

As producer or co-producer

Jon Batiste Jonathan Michael Batiste (born November 11, 1986) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, composer, bandleader, and television personality. He has recorded and performed with artists including Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Prince (musician), ...

, John Daversa, and Harvey Mason)''

Regina Carter Regina Carter (born August 6, 1966) is an American jazz violinist. She is the cousin of jazz saxophonist James Carter. Early life Carter was born in Detroit and was one of three children in her family. She began piano lessons at the age of t ...

Freedom Band, 2020 * ''Shoulder to Shoulder: Centennial Tribute to Women’s Suffrage,''

Karrin Allyson Karrin Allyson (pronounced ''KAR-in''; born Karrin Allyson Schoonover on July 27, 1963) is an American jazz vocalist. She has been nominated for five Grammy Awards and has received positive reviews from several prominent sources, including the ' ...

Sextet'','' 2019 * ''Justin Morell Concerto for Guitar and Jazz Orchestra (feat. Adam Rogers),'' Frost Concert Jazz Band, Conducted by John Daversa'','' 2018 * ''Transcendence,'' Trinity Devi'','' 2018 * ''Europa: Explorations for Large Jazz Ensemble'', Frost Concert Jazz Band, Conducted by John Daversa, 2017 * ''Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of the Beatles,'' John Daversa'','' 2016 * ''Harmony – Venus Gong,'' Trinity Devi'','' 2015 * ''Oneness – Ek Ong Kar Gong,'' Trinity Devi'','' 2015 * ''Focus,'' Kendall Moore'','' 2014 * ''El Guapo,'' Scott Jeppesen'','' 2013 * ''Love for Sale,'' James Tormé'','' 2011 * ''Live at Catalina’s, (Vol. I),'' John Daversa Big Band'','' 2009 (Recorded live in 2000) * ''Buck’s Vibe,'' Peter Buck'','' 2008 * ''Time for Christmas,'' Phil Crosby, Jr.'','' 2007 * ''Live at Catalina’s, Vol. II,'' John Daversa Big Band'','' 2000

As band-member

* ''Searching for a Memory, Busco Tu Recuerdo'', Sammy Figueroa featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Aymée Nuviola, 2023 * ''Calasanitus'', Leon Foster Thomas, 2023 * ''Come Fly With Me (Single),''

Ledisi Ledisi Anibade Young (; born March 28, 1972), better known simply as Ledisi, is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, author, and actress. Her name means "to bring forth" or "to come here" in Yoruba. In 1995, Ledisi formed a band afte ...

Gregg Field Gregg Field (born February 21, 1956) is an American record producer and musician, who has worked with many well-known artists. He is a recipient of multiple Grammy and Emmy awards. Early life Field was born in Castro Valley, California, United ...

, John Daversa,

Patti Austin Patti Austin (born August 10, 1950) is an American Grammy Award-winning R&B, pop, and jazz singer and songwriter best known for " Baby, Come to Me", her 1982 duet with James Ingram, which topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 after its re-release ...

Randy Waldman Randy Waldman (born September 8, 1955, Chicago, Illinois, United States) is an American pianist, arranger, composer, and conductor. He has frequently collaborated with Barbra Streisand, serving as her pianist and conductor since 1984. Waldman has ...

, Willie Murillo,

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, Erik Hughes, and Kate Duhamel'','' 2021 * ''LowJacked,'' Jackson 6'','' 2021 * ''Cheap Thrill: The Music of Rick Margitza (feat. Chuck Bergeron),'' South Florida Jazz Orchestra'','' 2020 * ''Swing States: Harmony in the Battleground (Feat. Jon Batiste, John Daversa, and Harvey Mason)'' Regina Carter Freedom Band, 2020 * ''Ahreum Ash Hanyou,'' Ahreum Ash Hanyou'','' 2018 * ''BACHanalia,''

Bill Cunliffe William Henry Cunliffe Jr. (born June 26, 1956) is an American jazz pianist and composer. Early life Cunliffe was born in Andover, Massachusetts. He discovered music at an early age, with particular emphasis on classical music as well as jazz ...

'','' 2017 * ''Life,'' MSM Schmidt (featuring Virgil Donati, Jimmy Haslip, Scott Kinsey, Mike Miller,

Oz Noy Oz Noy (; born 1972) is an Israeli-American guitarist and composer whose work blends jazz-rock fusion, blues, and funk. Based in New York City since the 1990s, he has released more than ten albums as a bandleader on labels including Magna Carta, ...

)'','' 2017 * ''Come to Paradise,'' Suzanne Dean, 2016 * ''The Deadbeats,'' The Deadbeats'','' 2016 * ''Inner Circle,'' Zach Larmer Band'','' 2016 * ''Metamorphasis,'' Leon Foster Thomas'','' 2016 * ''Pelos Ares,'' Rafael Piccolotto de Lima, Orquestra Urbana'','' 2016 * ''Get Up!,''

Big Band'','' 2015 * ''Self Taught,'' Brandon Coleman'','' 2015 * ''Exploring Mars,'' Josh Nelson'','' 2014 * ''Original Cities Original Jazz and Chamber Music,'' Mitch Haupers'','' 2014 * ''A Perfect Contradiction,'' Paloma Faith'','' 2014 * ''Come Over,'' Gina Kronstadt'',''2013 * ''Dectet: Subjects and Compliments,'' Justin Morell'','' 2013 * ''HighJacked,'' Jackson 6'','' 2013 * ''Storyteller,'' Nick Mancini'','' 2013 * ''Be Free,'' Moonchild'','' 2012 * ''Blujanova,'' Jeff Saxon'','' 2012 * ''Critics’ Choices and other Voices,'' Jazziz on Disc'','' 2012 * ''Fire It Up,'' Joe Cocker'','' 2012 * ''Jimmy Branly,'' Jimmy Branly (featuring Abraham Laboriel and Otmaro Ruiz)'','' 2012 * ''Mountain Suite,'' Kait Dunton'','' 2012 * ''Psychobabble,'' Nick Mancini'','' 2012 * ''Rozalia,'' Nikos Syropoulos'','' 2012 * ''Tales from The Blue Whale,'' Endermen'','' 2012 * ''What We Saw from the Cheap Seats,'' Regina Spektor'','' 2012 * ''Blue Collection,'' Ladybug Music'','' 2011 * ''Green Collection,'' Ladybug Music'','' 2011 * ''The Journey,'' Andrae Crouch'','' 2011 * ''Purple Collection,'' Ladybug Music'','' 2011 * ''Timeline,''

Yellowjackets A yellowjacket is a black-and-yellow vespid wasp. Yellowjacket(s) or Yellow Jacket(s) may also refer to: Places * Yellow Jacket, Colorado, an unincorporated town * Yellow Jacket, Florida, an unincorporated area in Dixie County, Florida Arts, ...

'','' 2011 * ''A-Me,'' Hire Sekine'','' 2010 * ''Numbers,'' Jay Daversa'','' 2010 * ''Red Collection,'' Ladybug Music'','' 2010 * ''Yellow Collection,'' Ladybug Music'','' 2010 * ''Holy Smoke,'' Gin Wigmore'','' 2009 * ''Pin Points and Gin Joints,'' The Mightly Mightly Bosstones'','' 2009 * ''The Roads We’ve Taken,'' International Trumpet Guild'','' 2009 * ''For My Lady,'' Sherman Pore'','' 2007 * ''Lamplighter,'' Eleisha Eagle'','' 2007 * ''Live at Café Metropole,'' Kim Richmond'','' 2007 * ''Soul Sistah,'' Marva King'','' 2006 * ''At This Time,''

'','' 2005 * ''Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition (1993 – 2003),'' International Trumpet Guild'','' 2005 * ''Extraordinary Machine,'' Fiona Apple'','' 2005 * ''Broject,'' Jeff Babko feat. Toss Panos'','' 2004 * ''The End of Imagining,'' The Space Twins'','' 2003 * ''The Music of Steely Dan,'' Justin Morell'','' 2002 * ''Septet,'' Justin Morell'','' 2000 * ''Misfits of Silence,'' Jeff Babko'','' 1998 * ''Variety Arts Center – Los Angeles,'' Progfest ’94'','' 1995

Awards

* Latin Grammy Nomination, Best Latin Jazz Album (arranger and trumpet), ''Searching for a Memory, Busco Tu Recuerdo'', 2024 * Southeast Emmy Awards Nomination (co-producer, cast), ''American Dreamers'', 2023 * Philip Frost Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship, 2020 * Proclamation “John Daversa Day”, The City of

Miami Beach Miami Beach is a coastal resort city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Miami metropolitan area of South Florida. The municipality is located on natural and human-made barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean an ...

, February 23, 2020 * Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom, John Daversa Big Band Featuring DACA Artists, 2019 * Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella, "Stars and Stripes Forever”, 2019 * Grammy Award for Best Improvised Solo "Don’t Fence Me In”, 2019 * Grammy Nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, John Daversa, 2017 * Grammy Nomination for Best Arrangement Instrumental, "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", 2017 * Grammy Nomination Best Arrangement Vocals or Acapella "Do You Want To Know A Secret" featuring Renee Olstead, 2017 * Global Music Awards Gold Medal Winner, Large Jazz Ensemble, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, 2016 * Global Music Awards Gold Medal Winner, Composition/Composer, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, 2016 * Global Music Awards Gold Medal Winner, Band, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, 2016 * Global Music Awards Gold Medal Winner, Album, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, 2016 * Global Music Awards Gold Medal Winner, Innovation In Sound, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, 2016 * Global Music Awards Gold Medal Winner, Sound Mixing/Editing, Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of The Beatles, 2016 * IAMA Songwriting Award, "Little Black Spider", 2012 * Global Music Awards, Best in Show, Junk Wagon: The Big Band Album, 2011 * Global Music Awards, Awards of Excellence for Creativity/Originality, Junk Wagon: The Big Band Album, 2011 * Global Music Awards, Awards of Excellence for Album Production, Junk Wagon: The Big Band Album, 2011 * Mellon Award for Excellence in Mentoring, Nomination, University of Southern California, 2010 * Jazz Studies Department Award, University of Southern California, 2009 * Semi-Finalist,

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is a non-profit music education organization founded in 1986. Before 2019, it was known as the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, but was then renamed after its longtime board chairman, Herbie Hancock. The i ...

, Jazz Trumpet Competition, 1998 * Second,

International Trumpet Guild The International Trumpet Guild (ITG) is an international organization of trumpet players. Members include professional and amateur performers, teachers, students, manufacturers, publishers, and others interested in the trumpet. ITG is a nonprof ...

Carmine Caruso Jazz Soloist Competition, 1998 * Winner, International Trumpet Guild Jazz Soloist Competition, 1994 * Winner, National Trumpet Competition, 1993 * Performance Award, Herb Alpert Award 1991 * Performance Award, Italian Heritage Award 1991

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Daversa, John American jazz trumpeters American male trumpeters Living people People from Canoga Park, Los Angeles Grammy Award winners 21st-century American trumpeters 21st-century American male musicians American people of Italian descent American male jazz musicians 1972 births